And Now What?

The sky opened up, rewarding our day-long suspicion and blind optimism. The sea salt smell summoned dark heavy clouds adding an exclamation point to our list of failed plans. 

“For real?” Jonah asked, gasping for air. 

“Wait, I need some oxygen” I replied in huffs. 

In the time it took us to run to the cover of a bus stop, we were completely soaked and laughing hysterically. 

Jonah rose from their bend-over position and swept the water out of their face. “First the Museum was canceled, then the restaurant had a line down the block, and now this!” 

My cackle bounced around the metallic enclosure only to be dampened by the sheets of percussive rain. The sight of Jonah standing chest puffed, nostril flared, made me laugh so hard my throat and stomach tighten. 

“This is the best, worst date ever!” Jonah exclaimed, attempting to conceal their smile behind their eyes, wild with annoyance. 


“So, what now?” I asked. The familiar heat of anxiety filled my chest, but there was something unfamiliar. My cheeks were so warm, I feared the wet rain would turn to steam. 

“We can just try again and pretend that today didn’t exist.” Jonah chuckled. 

Instantly, I froze, turning into a deer in headlights. Yes, every single one of our plans fell through but our chemistry, our conversation, my attraction.  

“OR!” Jonah exaggerated to break me out of my shock, “My apartment is a couple of blocks down. We can chill, wait out this storm, maybe watch Spirited Away? Their question was paired with an almost cartoonish eyebrow raise.



“That all sounds amazing,” I gleefully obliged. Then we ran through the unforgiving downpour to their apartment building, through the entryway, up the stairs one flight of stairs, and to their apartment door. 

As soon as the door opened Jonah peeled their wet clothes and rushed towards their bedroom. I stood by the front door in the section that was not carpeted. Jonah returned out carrying a t-shirt, basketball shorts, and a towel to dry off with. 

“I’m going to change in my room and then I’ll be right out. I can wash and dry your clothes for you if you want. 

“Thank you”, I responded in a low voice. When Jonah turned the corner, I striped the clammy cold clothes into a neat pile, dried off, and changed quickly. 

The lights changed from a relaxed warm glow to brighter, fluorescent light. 

“I’ll be out in just a second” Jonah screamed from the other room. “Are you decent?” 

“Yeah” I replied, mesmerized by the beautifully decorated apartment. A mix-match of mid-century modern furniture, a tech and gaming paradise, and beautiful prints. There was an L-shaped bookshelf and hunter-green bean bag chair. 

I walked further into the apartment, the seal of a wine bottle caught my eye. It was what looked like an ascending bird encased in gold lines. 

“Woah” I exclaimed absent-mindedly enamored by the art on the bottle. 

“I was going to drink that after our date. Either it was going to go really bad and I would have a pick-me-up, or it would go really well and I was going to celebrate.” Jonah said. They had changed into a college shirt and fleece shorts. 

“So, will you be celebrating or mourning when you drink it?” I asked as I turned to face them with a deceptively coy look on my face. 

“I want it with some pizza? You want some pizza?” Jonah responded while handing me their phone. The toppings selection screen woke the hunger deep within me. My stomach growled as I made my selections. 

“Pick what you want, I’ve already got my pizza in the cart.” Jonah grabbed the bottle of Jetbird Merlot, walked around the island, and pulled a bottle opener out of the drawer. “Would you like a glass? Do you want any water or anything” 

“Water, please! I asked. “I don’t know about the red wine though. I’ve only had one and it was nasty. I stick to white wine.” 

“What!?” Jonah as if I offended.  “No no no no. So you don’t like red wine with dark chocolate?!” They brought their hand to their neck clutching invisible pearls.” 

A little ashamed, I responded, “I don’t eat a lot of dark chocolate either.” 

Jonah poured two glasses of wine, went to the cabinet next to the refrigerator, and grabbed a bag of dark chocolate peanut butter cups. “You have a peanut allergy?” 

“No.” I chuckled watching intently as if in a lecture.  

Jonah walked close enough to where I could feel the radiate off their chest. They were a head taller, but their stature only made me want to melt into their presence. 

“Hold out your hands. Jonah instructed. They placed the peanut butter cups and wine in both of my hands. “Smell the wine, really gently. Really try to identify any scents you find familiar.”

The aroma of the wine was pleasant but indiscernible to me.

“Now, taste it. Really let it lay on your tongue. And slip it slowly!” 

The first taste was a punch of boldness, but as I swallowed, it was as if I could taste the dark berries. “Ooo, that's interesting. I, I think I like it a little.” 

“Now” Jonah instructed, eyes bright with glee. “Let this melt on your tongue. Really savor it.” 

The flavor of the chocolate exploded. My eyes gleamed, matching Jonah’s.

“Now, taste the wine again.” 

I gave Jonah a side-eye from behind the wine glass before I took another sip. Then, like magic, the flavors came alive on my palate. I did my best to hide my smile. I did not want to admit that my life was forever changed. Even the taste of the wine on my lips made my soul go into orbit. 

Jonah smiled and I then glanced at my wine-stained lips. “Both red wine and dark chocolate taught me to be present and savor each moment.”